Centerforce CFDF vs. Fidanza 4.3 clutch?

thekellbeast · 07-27-2007, 09:50 AM

So it's time for me to get a new clutch, and I'm trying to decide between the Centerforce dual friction, and the Fidanza 4.3 (Four Point Three). I've heard some good things about the CFDF clutches, and some bad things. I've figured that some of the bad things are from improper installation/break-in methods. I haven't really heard much about the Fidanza clutches at all. The price is pretty comparable between the two.

I'm planning on getting OEM throwout bearing, clutch fork, pivot ball, etc. I'm going to run a Fidanza flywheel; it's allready here, not installed though.

This is the CFDF from SBR - $355
http://www.slowboyracing.com/estore/...cat=106&page=1

And this is the Fidanza from UltraRev - $378
http://www.ultrarev.com/product.php?productid=34995

According to Jack of Jack's Transmissions, I apparently broke the clutch disk hub on my stock clutch (157k miles). I'm looking for a clutch that will be a decent daily driver, but will still stand up to a lot of abuse/onramps. I'm not a pansy, so I'm not going to bitch about things being 'unstreetable,' as long as it's reasonable. So what are your experiences with these clutches, and what kind of power can I expect them to hold? Thanks.

Oh yeah, car has an 18g at stock boost, but I'm going to run 20+ with water/alcohol injection, daily.

thekellbeast · 07-27-2007, 10:58 AM

Ok, I've actually switched my focus towards the Fidanza 3.2. It looks like the 4.3 might be a bit too agressive for what I need right now. I spent a good 10 minutes watching the video on streetfire, and learned quite a bit. Apparently the 4.3 chatters a lot in parking lots and stuff, and the 3.2 is a pretty damn good clutch anyways.

http://www.ultrarev.com/product.php?productid=33300

Fidanza 3.2 $352

99gst_racer · 07-27-2007, 12:32 PM

John - I run the Fidanza 4.3 and I love it. My car also has a welded center diff, and it's extremely streetable. Not much chatter at all. It's a good clutch to run if you're between 330-430 ft/lbs of torque. The ceramic pads wear very slowly, so it can last a while even if abused, and the pressure plate is not too aggressive, so warping and heavy pedal feel aren't an issue either.

If your HP level is around 350WHP or less, I'd say you might be more happy with the 3.2 as well. The guys at Fidanza told me that the kevlar padded 3.2 is their average best selling disk for most applications.

thekellbeast · 07-27-2007, 03:34 PM

Oooohhh.... 350 whp is right on the line of my goals with this turbo. It looks like you're making 400 on a 50 trim, and I can easily see one of those in my near future. I'll probably go with the 4.3, since it's either going to be a bigger turbo or nitrous at some point for me.

How's that welded center doing in parking lots and tight turns and stuff? Is it the pain that most people make it out to be? I drove my friend's Xterra in 4wd with the hubs locked, and the tires skipping around slow, tight corners was a bit... unnerving... at first.

I probably won't end up getting one, but the thought had crossed my mind - but only for the oversteer.

99gst_racer · 07-27-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekellbeast

Oooohhh.... 350 whp is right on the line of my goals with this turbo. It looks like you're making 400 on a 50 trim, and I can easily see one of those in my near future. I'll probably go with the 4.3, since it's either going to be a bigger turbo or nitrous at some point for me.

How's that welded center doing in parking lots and tight turns and stuff? Is it the pain that most people make it out to be? I drove my friend's Xterra in 4wd with the hubs locked, and the tires skipping around slow, tight corners was a bit... unnerving... at first.

I probably won't end up getting one, but the thought had crossed my mind - but only for the oversteer.

Dude, don't let anyone lie to you. The welded center is a piece of cake. I hardly even know it's there unless I'm off the throttle and turning at a low speed. All you have to do is gas it a little bit in the turn and you won't even notice it. It hasn't made my tires chirp once. It's 100% streetable in my honest opinion, and it's a hell of alot cheaper than paying for a 4-spider diff.

thekellbeast · 07-28-2007, 01:40 PM

Well, I ended up going with the Fidanza 4.3 clutch kit. Hopefully it'll end up being the right decision. I'll let everyone know.

I got it on sale from UltraRev for:

Subtotal: $359.10
Shipping cost: $16.55
Total: $375.65

Clutch GSX · 02-01-2008, 09:17 PM

So how do you like it?

2gGSX · 02-02-2008, 01:57 PM

There's another thread with impressions of this clutch...somewhere. In short, it's been wonderful to me thus far (still in the break in stages). All I can comment on is the engagement, and it's only gotten better as everything is getting seated. You do have to rev a little higher than with an organic disk to avoid chatter when the clutch is cold, but in general there is minimal to no chatter with this thing.

The pedal feel is very very light, and while Fidanza never officially released a value I think it's around 2200-2300 lbs. I'd recommend it wholeheartedly.